Rik Smits, who played his entire NBA career with the Indiana Pacers — rarely saying a peep, yet endearing himself to fans as the No. 2 big man behind Reggie Miller — still calls the Pacers his team.

He is living in Arizona watching from afar, yet following closely, as the Pacers open up tonight against Memphis.

In an interview Tuesday with IndyStar, Smits said he predicts the team will win 50 games this year and make it to the second round of the playoffs.

"What a great finish last year," said Smits, a 7-4 center for the Pacers from 1988 to 2000 who was known as The Dunking Dutchman.

The Pacers were on a roll last year as they entered the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against Cleveland, said Smits. The Pacers' regular season record was 48-34.

CLEVELAND, OH - LeBron James drives past Lance Stephenson during the second half in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs.(Photo: Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

"If it weren't for LeBron being on the team, they would have definitely beaten the Cleveland Cavs," Smits said. "I don’t mean they couldn’t have beaten them with LeBron."

But....

"Nobody likes to see LeBron in the playoffs," Smits said.

This year, with James playing for Los Angeles, the Pacers can sail into the second round, he said.

"I expect big things for them. They are definitely capable of doing it," said Smits. "Great group of guys, great coaching staff."

As he watches the team, Smits said he is struck by its zest. This Pacers team seems to have a true passion for the game, particularly Victor Oladipo.

Rik Smits came to the Pacers with the No. 2 overall pick of the 1988 draft. He averaged double figures in all of his 12 Pacers seasons, the last one being the 1999-2000 season in which the Pacers made the NBA Finals.(Photo: Chuck Robinson/AP)

"I love his game and enthusiasm," Smits said. That's what it takes to go far in post-season play, he said, and Smits knows a little about that.

In his 12-year career with the Pacers after he was drafted 2nd overall in 1988, the team was in the playoffs 10 times.

During Smits' last season, the Pacers made it to the NBA Finals, losing 4-2 to the Lakers. He retired after that 1999-2000 season due to foot problems that had plagued him most of his career.